Concerned citizens and traditional stakeholders of Ubulu-Uku in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State have appealed to the state governor to urgently intervene in what they described as actions threatening the community’s traditional institutions, peace and social cohesion.
The appeal was contained in a letter signed by Chief Emma Ejiofor, PhD, FIBDFM, FIPRIMN, KSM, who is the Onishe Ubulu, the Traditional Prime Minister of Ubulu-Uku.
The letter, dated September 17, 2026, raised concerns over what the stakeholders described as unauthorised claims to traditional titles and alleged support for such claims by some government officials and security agencies.
According to the petition, Ubulu-Uku has an ancient monarchical institution dating back to 1280 A.D., with its traditional system further strengthened by the introduction of chiefs in 1810.
It said traditional responsibilities and titles are allocated to specific families and kindreds based on established customs and historical agreements.
The stakeholders maintained that, except for the kingship, which they said is currently sub judice, traditional titles in Ubulu-Uku are inherited and rotated within designated kindreds.
They also explained that the community recognises different categories of chiefs, including Administrative, Palace and War Chiefs, with specific responsibilities within the traditional system.
The petition further stated that the Obi has the prerogative to confer purely social titles, which, according to the stakeholders, are honorary and do not carry traditional administrative or judicial authority.
The community’s major concern centres on the alleged activities of Mr. Asika Onwordi.
The stakeholders alleged that Onwordi was appointed in 2023 to a social title known as Onishe Ezemu, following advice from the Obi’s uncles, but subsequently began presenting himself as Onishe Ubulu, the traditional prime minister of the community.
According to the petition, the Onishe Ubulu title belongs exclusively to the Alo lineage and has been held by Chief Emma Ejiofor since 2004.
The stakeholders argued that the community’s customs do not permit a living chief to be displaced or an individual from another kindred to assume a title reserved for a particular lineage.
They further alleged that some elements within the state government and security agencies had provided support to Onwordi’s claim, mentioning an alleged connection with Mr. Obazie, a former palace secretary.
The petitioners said the situation had resulted in intimidation, harassment, division and insecurity within the community.
They urged the governor to ensure that government agencies remain neutral in the dispute and protect the community’s traditional institutions in accordance with established laws and customs.
The stakeholders also argued that government should not interfere in traditional titles that are determined by traditional institutions and kingmakers, citing what they described as the established principle that government does not appoint kings.
They subsequently requested the governor to direct an immediate halt to any governmental support for Onwordi’s alleged claim to the Onishe Ubulu title.
They also called for directives to government officials and security agencies to stop actions they said could amount to harassment or intimidation of members of the community.
Other demands include a reaffirmation of Ubulu-Uku’s traditional title-holding protocols and disciplinary or corrective action against any officials alleged to have exceeded their mandates.
The stakeholders said their appeal was motivated by the need to preserve peace, unity and respect for Ubulu-Uku’s traditional heritage.
The statement was issued by Barrister Francis Nduka, Chief Press Secretary to Chief Emma Ejiofor, the Onishe Ubulu (Traditional Prime Minister) of Ubulu-Uku
